Scenery amazes in nearby state parks

Jun. 27, 2009

Harpeth River State Park / RANDY HEDGEPATH

It really is hard to believe that you can drive about 20 miles from downtown Nashville, get out of your car at a free state park and hike to the top of a 200-foot-bluff that offers the kind of breathtaking view you usually see only in movies or on travel posters.

And that's just what I did earlier this month with state naturalist Randy Hedgepath, who took me up to Harpeth River State Park's Narrows of the Harpeth overlook.

Now, this is technically what they call a "moderate'' hike, but for me it required a fairly strenuous climb of about 20 minutes and a few breathless heave-hos at the end to hoist myself to the top — but I have to say it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

Yes, even on a gray, misty day like the one on which I visited, it was undeniable that the Narrows of the Harpeth has to be one of the primo spots in Middle Tennessee for nature lovers.

The state's 53 state parks all have wonderful offerings, and I like to try a new park every chance I get. So far I haven't been disappointed.

Harpeth River State Park is a collection of sites in Cheatham and Davidson counties, including: The Narrows, Newsom's Mill Historic Site, Hidden Lake and the Gossett Tract.

Between the scattered sites, the park pretty much has it all: birdwatching, wildflowers, canoeing, fishing, all levels of hiking, history and swimming (really more like wading).

It's best-known for the Narrows, which not only offers the spectacular hike that Randy and I took but is also a popular canoe and kayak destination because of the ease of putting the boats in and taking them out of the water. Plus, visitors get to enjoy the interesting history and lore at the Narrows, where you can see the unusual man-made tunnel, which was built by Montgomery Bell's slaves.

Weekends at the Narrows can get pretty crowded with boats, fishermen and picnickers. (Parking is definitely a problem on a sunny summer weekend.) And Randy recommends that river lovers do a little research to find other, less crowded parts of the Harpeth for their canoe and kayak and floating adventures, especially now that there are several new access points for putting in boats.

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But wherever you go in this park, I think you'll be pleased.

If you visit Harpeth River State Park:

• Spray yourself generously with insect repellant, because there are definitely mosquitoes and ticks galore.

• If you're taking young children, do your homework to be sure that the trails or swimming destinations you pick are appropriate for the age and interest of the kiddos. Some of these high perches are just plain dangerous for little ones.

• Don't swim in undesignated areas.

• Don't litter or take alcohol into the park.

• Beware of snakes. Yes, there are 20-plus species of snakes in this park.

• Watch out for the poison ivy. I saw some mammoth poison ivy sporting almost dinner plate-size leaves.

• If you have a group, or just want special attention, call ahead for a ranger- or naturalist-led hike if you want to maximize your visit.

• Take your camera because there are some spectacular sights.

• When you enter this park or any state park, it's a good idea to get an emergency phone number from the entry signs and carry your cell phone with you in case of an accident.

Why Ms. Cheap loves Tennessee's state parks:

• They're free.

• They're very accessible. Did you know that no matter where you are in Tennessee, you're no more than an hour's drive from a state park?

• They're award-winning — our parks system has been ranked the No. 1 state park system in the nation by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

• You can learn some interesting state history if you read up on the parks before you go. Some of them have Indian history, or Civil War history or river history, and almost all have fascinating lore to boot.

• The rangers are so nice and so knowledgeable.

• The diverse programming — almost all of the 53 state parks have year-round programs for day or overnight visitors. And even if they don't have formal programs, most of the parks are super-accommodating if you have special requests for a visit. You can call or e-mail the individual park nature centers and, depending on the manpower available, most of the parks will try to meet your needs or even tailor a program for your group.

• No two parks are the same and no two weeks at the individual parks are the same. The best way to maximize your visit is to call or e-mail the park office and ask what they have going on.